The party explores towns, wilderness areas, ruins, and other locations from a first-person or text-and-map viewpoint. Story events, conversations, searches, and movement are handled through command menus, while battles switch to an overhead tactical map.

Combat is turn-based. Characters can move, attack, cast spells, use items, turn undead, or defend. Experience raises levels, treasure improves equipment, and spellcasters prepare a limited selection of spells. The campaign follows a sequence of scenarios with a persistent party and story progression.

Build a balanced party with durable front-line fighters, healing, arcane magic, and divine spellcasting. Keep several weapon types and useful support spells available because different encounters reward different tactics.

Scout before committing to combat, protect spellcasters from melee attacks, and rest only when the area is secure. Save frequently before major battles and conserve high-level spells for encounters that cannot be solved through ordinary attacks.